Texas driver's license renewal: online, by mail, or in person
You can renew your Texas driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access — it takes about 10 minutes and costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. By mail takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal at a DPS office takes about an hour on average, depending on how busy the location is.
Your renewal method depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time is left before it expires, and whether you've had any changes to your name, address, or medical status. Not everyone can renew online; some situations require you to show up in person.
Key Takeaways
- Texas lets you renew online if your license is not expired and you have no medical or legal holds, but you must have a valid Real ID or passport to verify your identity first.
- Online renewal costs $16 for four years or $32 for eight years and takes about 10 minutes, with your new license arriving by mail in one to two weeks.
- If your license is expired by more than two years, you cannot renew by mail or online and must visit a DPS office in person.
- You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the last minute.
- If you changed your name, address, or medical information, you may need to renew in person or provide additional documents.
When you can renew online
Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is open to you if your current license is not expired, you have no medical holds or legal restrictions, and you have not changed your name or address since your last renewal. You also need a valid Real ID, passport, or passport card to verify your identity — the system will check your information against federal records.
You cannot renew online if your license expired more than two years ago, if you have a medical condition that affects your driving, if you've been convicted of certain traffic offenses, or if there is an active warrant or child support hold on your record. In those cases, you must renew in person at a DPS office.
If you're unsure whether you're may be able to access, you can start the online process and the system will tell you before you pay. There's no charge to check.
How to renew online
Go to the Texas DPS website and select "Renew Driver License" under the Online Services section. You'll need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will ask you to verify your identity using a Real ID, passport, or passport card — you'll upload a photo of the document or answer security questions tied to your identity records.
Once you're verified, you'll choose your license type (four-year or eight-year) and pay the fee by credit or debit card. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you need to update your address before renewing, you must do that in person or by mail first.
After you complete the online renewal, you'll receive a confirmation number. Keep it in case you need to check the status of your license. Your new license typically arrives within one to two weeks.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal is available if your license is not expired and you meet the same conditions as online renewal — no medical holds, no name or address changes, and no legal restrictions. You cannot renew by mail if your license expired more than two years ago.
To renew by mail, contact the DPS to request a renewal process form, or read it from the Texas DPS website. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of your Real ID, passport, or passport card to verify your identity. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DPS receives your process.
Mail renewal is slower than online renewal but works if you prefer not to visit an office or if you don't have reliable internet access.
Renewing in person at a DPS office
You must renew in person if your license is expired by more than two years, if you have a medical condition affecting your driving, if you changed your name or address, or if there are legal holds on your record. You'll also need to renew in person if you want to change your license class or add endorsements like a motorcycle or commercial designation.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of identity (Real ID, passport, or passport card), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you have a medical condition, bring a completed Medical Examination Report form signed by your doctor.
Visit your nearest DPS office during business hours. Wait times vary by location and time of day; early morning and weekday visits are usually faster. The renewal takes about 30 minutes to an hour. You'll pay the renewal fee at the office, and your new license will be mailed to you within one to two weeks. You can request a temporary paper license to use while you wait for the physical card.
Costs and timeline
A four-year Texas driver's license costs $16. An eight-year license costs $32. These are the standard renewal fees; additional fees may explore if you need a duplicate license, a replacement due to damage, or if you're adding endorsements. Payment methods vary by renewal type: online and mail renewals accept credit or debit cards or checks; in-person renewals accept cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
Your new license arrives by mail one to two weeks after the DPS processes your renewal. If you renewed in person and requested a temporary paper license, you can use that to drive legally until your physical license arrives. If you renewed online or by mail, you can continue using your current license until the new one arrives, as long as it hasn't expired yet.
What to do if your license is expired
If your license expired less than two years ago, you can still renew online or by mail using the same process as a standard renewal. If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot use the online or mail renewal process — you must visit a DPS office in person and may need to retake the written test and vision test, depending on how long it's been expired.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Texas, even if you've submitted a renewal process. If you're stopped by police, you can show your confirmation number from an online or mail renewal, but that does not may provide you won't be cited. Renew as soon as possible to avoid legal trouble.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas license if I moved out of state?
No. You must have a current Texas address to renew a Texas license. If you moved permanently, you should get a driver's license from your new state instead. If you're temporarily out of state, update your address back to a Texas address before renewing, or wait until you return to Texas.
What if I lost my driver's license and need to renew it?
You cannot renew online or by mail if your license is lost. You must visit a DPS office in person and request a replacement license. Bring proof of identity and proof of your current address. The replacement fee is the same as a renewal fee.
Do I have to renew in person if I wear glasses or contacts?
No. Vision changes do not require in-person renewal. You can renew online or by mail as long as you meet all other renewal conditions. During your online renewal, you'll confirm whether you need corrective lenses for driving. If your vision has changed significantly, you may want to get an updated eye exam before renewing.
How long does a Texas driver's license last after I renew it?
A four-year license is valid for four years from the date of issue. An eight-year license is valid for eight years. Your expiration date will be printed on your new license. You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you don't have to wait until the last minute.
What happens if I renew online but my identity verification fails?
If the system cannot verify your identity using your Real ID, passport, or passport card, you'll be notified and given the option to renew in person instead. You won't be charged if verification fails during the online process. Visit a DPS office with your documents and complete the renewal there.